August 15, 2005ITEM # 5c

That the
Board of Commissioners approves the resolution authorizing filing of contract for
Governor's Highway Safety Program.

Item Summary:

On March 26, 2004 Sheriff Donnie Harrison submitted a grant
application to the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The purpose of the grant
application was for funding to initiate a traffic observation patrol (STOP)
team. This team of five law enforcement officers patrols targeted areas of the
county where analysis has shown significant vehicular traffic problems and
problems associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The
STOP team participates in the statewide "Click It or Ticket" program,
license check points, and DWI (driving while impaired) check points.

On September 20, 2004 the Board of Commissioners adopted a
resolution approving the use of the $410,005 in funds and approved the creation
of four sheriff deputies and one sergeant position. The three-year grant paid
for all personnel (salaries and benefits) for the first year at 100%. The
necessary equipment for the STOP team was paid 75% by the grant with 25%
funding ($57,305) from the Sheriff’s Office budget.

In the second year of the project there are no anticipated capital
or major equipment costs. However the grant pays for only 75% of the personnel
costs in year two. Since the $57,305 match for the first year was for one-time
costs, those same funds are available to meet the matching requirement of the
second year of the project. In the third year, the grant will pay for 50% of
the personnel costs and the Sheriff’s Office will include any additional
matching funds in the FY 2007 budget request if those funds cannot be found
within the existing budget.

The second year of this program begins October 1, 2005 and
requires the adoption of a resolution authorizing Sheriff Harrison to file an
application contract with the State and verifies that the County’s matching
funds are available.